ST Special Report: They RUN RUN RUN!

The Straits Times Special Report 28 Jan 2012

The Straits Times carried a Special Report (THEY DO RUN, RUN, RUN) ON 28 Jan about the growing base of runners pounding the tarmac, tracks and trails at all hours of the day and night, in many interesting routes around Singapore.  My Father-In-Law (FIL), 75-yo Soon Ah Chai was one of the featured runners (70s age group) as an avid runner who has been running 8-10km daily for the past 20+ years, rain or shine. 

Before I embarked on serious running some 8 years ago, I had difficulty understanding his passion and doggedness to run everyday in spite of the weather.  He ran in half-marathons, marathons and ultra-marathons, from Singapore to countries in Europe, USA, Australia, Asia.  He lost count of the number of marathons he has completed, but estimates he has done about 80+ during all these years.  I recall he even ran on all his children wedding days, save for that day when I wed his beloved daughter (she gave him many warnings prior...hahaha).  We never quite understood why he loved to run so much, and how he could sustain all those years of running without taking any breaks at all.  On top of his busy running schedule, he had a restaurant business to attend to, which made his feat even more remarkable.

Only when I started to run in 2004, with Beverly (my wife) following suit in 2005, did we understand his passion for running and why he never felt tired of that seemingly same route/distances he pounded on for most of the year.  We helped him to sign up for races and even went overseas together for marathons.  It was sheer joy to see him complete within cutoff time of 14.5hrs in the inaugural Sundown Ultra-Marathon of 84km.  Since then he had gone on to complete more marathons and if not for the constant nagging of his wife and family, would have done even more Ultra-Marathons.  

We bonded and became closer because of running.  Running has become a common topic whenever we meet (where in the past, we really didn't chat much other than the usual stuff about work and children), and my normally quiet FIL will become chatty with bright-lit eyes whenever the customers broach the subject of running, marathoning and all the overseas run conquests.  And yes, he even had a book written about his running passion in Chinese, which he would gladly share an autographed version with, for interested visitors to his restaurant along Joo Chiat Road.

Of course there are so much more to talk about this passionate runner, and all the inspiring stories and anecdotes from him, but suffice to say, he is a model for many of us runners new and veteran who wish to be able to continue to run, stay healthy, and have fun all the way into our 70s, 80s or even older.  With this Special Feature of runners of all ages doing something simple, enjoyable and health-enabling, we hope to see more runners embarking on this healthy lifestyle of...RUN, RUN, RUN!

Running Clubs & Groups In Singapore

SLOG IT OUT TOGETHER: Straits Times 21 January 2012

Happy that Team FatBird is is mentioned as one of the largest running clubs in Singapore.

We are grateful and appreciative of the participation and support from all FatBird Runners and Members which helped make us one of the fastest-growing running groups in Singapore. Lets look forward to more great fun and 'happening' training and group runs together in the Dragon Year! GO, FATBIRDS, GO!

Sports Bras vs Speedos: Running Statistics

Some interesting statistics of female and male runners in the USA.

Merry Christmas 2011

Wii Run With Rudolph to usher in Christmas 2011

Christmas Album 1 @ Marcus

 

  

Christmas Album @ Kim Lai

  

  

Christmas Album 2 @ Marcus

MR25 Ultra-Marathon 2011

Facebook Photos from CK Chin, BTing, David Tan, Tey, Ronnie, Kim Lai, Richard, Cindy, Puay Kiang, Mohan, KPI

Since 2005, it has been a yearly ritual for me to participate in the MR25 Ultra-Marathon, save for 2007 when I was away for the Chiangmai Marathon. With growing numbers, this year's event put a cap on 300 participants, with many of the FatBirds and Sunbirds going for their maiden Ultra-Marathon.

As a member of MR25, I get to this race for free, so I registered rather early for the slot. I normally go for 5 laps of the 10.2km to-fro circuit along the rocky MR trails. The number of support and cheer teams have also grown over the years, making this Ultra-Marathon a year-end get together of sorts for the running community.

When I arrived to MR Amenities Centre by bus at 6.45pm, the pre-race briefing was about to start. Put on my bib, checked in my bag and proceeded to the start line. All runners were given from 7am thru 7pm to complete as many 10.2km laps as possible, with a minimum of 5 laps to qualify for the finisher cert and tee.

As I did a Circle Line run on Saturday, I decided to take this run real easy. I started off from the mid-pack at about a 7min pace. The weather was cool and nice after last evening's showers. As I ran along the trails, it was good to catch up with many friends and even had a number of enquires about FatBird training hehe.

The most difficult part of the course to me was after the Ranger station towards the U-turn, where the trails were rocky and we had to keep a diligent eye lest we take a tumble. A staple was applied to the bib at the U-turn before we proceeded back towards Northern Route. It was great to see the JMs and some FatBird supporters as I posed for photo and received a nice Sng Bao.

The 2nd lap was much the same, but I decided to put on my Santa hat for that extra festive feeling. That caught lots of attention and friendly smiles from fellow runners and other park users. With all the 'merry-making' and well-wishing, time passed rather easily, and soon I was back to the Amenities Centre, where I broke into song of:
"Two Turtle Doves, and a FatBird in the MR trails"

I was stilll feeling good on the 3rd lap, just that the legs started to get more sore from the loose and rather sharp rocks on the trails, esp. the U-turn area. The drinks point just before Terantang trail of Pocari Sweat was something I looked forward to as we would pass that twice for each lap. It was good fun passing fellow runners along the way and giving words of encouragement or festive greetings. Soon I reached the start point this time with the words of:
"Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, and a Sng Bao waiting for me..."

As lunch was not ready, I took a banana and gel to relief the hunger pangs, before proceeding for the 4th lap. After many numerous slopes, my legs were getting tight and sore, but I was still able to chug up all the slopes at a sustainable pace with no danger of any cramps erupting. I was still feeling quite strong as I U-turn, then on the way to the start-point, I was informed that lunch had arrived. That perked me up slightly as I knew there would be just 1 lap remaining for me. As I returned, I sang quietly:
"Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, with a hot kopi waiting for me..."

I took a slightly longer break before starting the 5th lap. There were no signs of chaffing or blisters forming, which was good. Grabbed a milo Sng Bao from one of the kind support teams and I was soon on the way to complete the 5th, albeit adopting a slower and more cautious pace. Had time to chat with more runners at the water-hole who were feeling the effects of the rocky trail. The good news was that the weather held on well, and provided some relief to the tiring bodies.

After chugging up slope after slope, I was glad to finally reach DQ's support point - here I was asked to do a 'jump' for a finisher photo :) I took it cautiously as I did not want any eruptions so close to the finish line. Although there were offers of sugar-cane juice and other goodies, my mind was just on finishing off the run and taking a rest. I proceeded on without taking anything (thanks for the offers, guys!) and with 1km to go, I picked up pace to finish off strongly to the chorus of:
"Five MR Loops, Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, and a happy ending to the running year"

I completed in a time of 6hr37min, which was not fast, but still a satisfying time for me as I did not have any walk breaks thrown in this time. I also did not feel much pain other than the slight sores on the underfeet caused by the rocky trails. Overall, I enjoyed the whole race experience, thanks to the wonderful organization of the MR25 committee and the host of photographers and supporters who were so generous with their offers of Sng Bao, drinks, buns, sandwiches, etc.

Many of the friends whom I have recommended this race to also enjoyed the experience and many did very well at their maiden MR25 Ultra-Marathon. With the reasonable race fees, trail ultra-marathon experience, conducive support atmosphere, this is one race that should grow in popularity with the running community in the years to come.

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011

This is my 7th Singapore Marathon since my maiden marathon in 2005 where I completed in 4:08h in hot and humid conditions. Ever since, I have been faithfully supporting this homegrown marathon as a runner, marathon pacer, running for charity, or as marathon trainer to the Ops Sunbird Program which is in its third year, and growing in healthy number of trainees.

On race morning, I gathered with the Full Marathon Sunbirds and friends at Scotts Road 3:30am for photo taking and baggage. For the first time this year, all night MRT train services were kept open to facilitate the participants, and I too, like many regular drivers, decided to leave the car at home to take advantage of the baggage services which promised to be nearer to the finish line post-race for easy retrieval. It was a big mistake, as many had the same thinking, leading to massive queues at the small number of baggage lines. I made it to the start line barely 5min to the gun going off, while a number of my friends got stuck for more than 1-2hrs.

This year, Team FatBird were not the official pacers, so we had the luxury of following the BMW Pacers and letting them keep pace and show the way. The gun went off at 5:00am sharp. The first few km was rather congested as I tried to keep the 3:45h pace group in sight as a gauge. As we turned into Nicholl Highway, Johhny, Benjamin, Kwee Teck, Han Chee ran up to say hello, and together we went along for the next few km. We were running 5:10min/km pace earlier, but good that the Pacers moderated to about 5:20min/km subsequently. It was rather dark when we entered the F1 Pit area and then onto the ECP portion.

I could not see any distance markers for at least 10km, and was happy to just follow the rather large group of 3:45h. Han Chee later pointed to me the 12km distance marker which was so small and flushed in, that it would be hard to make out in that darkness. We settled into a 5:20min/km pace by 15km, and just went into cruise mode the ECP service road. There were only two 3:45h Pacers, and by 17km, one dropped pace probably due to the humid conditions, leaving Pacer Aaron to show the way. Han Chee, Johnny, Ben and I were happy to keep a distance of about 200m from the Pace Group. We were all going strong as we U-turn somewhere after the F2 service road.

Han Chee mentioned he would be happy to just do sub-4hr as that would mean a PB for him in local marathon terms. I told him to take it easy, and just maintain pace but not to work too hard. I moved up in search of the 3:45h Pacers which had gone slightly ahead...waved and acknowledged many Sunbirds and familiar faces as I passed them on the other side of the ECP segment. I took a pack of Hammer gel at the 13km mark, and then an endurolyte at 20km. That seemed to keep me going on quite well, and with hydration stops most of the way, I was able to sustain the pace in rather cooling weather. By 28km, I could see Fort Road and braced myself for the boring Marina Barrage stretch. It was then that I had the company of Michael Bolt who had kept pace strongly till that stage, and then we met up with Melvyn as well.

I ran with Michael and Melvyn most of the way along the Marina Barrage segment, just maintaining enough momentum not to get cramps and getting out of that place soon enough. At the end of that demoralizing stretch, I was happy to just catch Joey who was stationed at the Shotz gel point, where he was taking nice shots of friends and runners. I had earlier taken another Hammer gel at the 25km mark, so kept the Shotz gel for later use. I popped another endurolyte at the 32km mark just to make sure the cramps stay away...body sensed - all systems still ok. I didn’t apply any of the Tiger Balm ACTIVE cream on offer as there weren’t any tremors nor niggles felt. I was happy to see the SAFRA MF support point along Marina Boulevard area, where I was offered Sng Bao again (although I did not take it) and had my pic taken…thanks.

With about 5km to go, Heartbreak Bridge (which saw a massive crowd walking last year) was in sight. Fortunately, it was clearer this year, and I had some access to jog up the whole length of the bridge. There were many walkers and even crawlers at that stage, and 2-3 were seen puking over the sides of the bridge. A number were sitting or lying down to get medical attention or just taking a breather. A cramp nearly erupted as I neared the top, and I was lucky it eased off on the downslope as I slowed down.

In the horizon, I could see a massive crowd merging from another direction, which started the final 3km of ‘human wall’ bashing through for us full marathoners. Although I could see water points on the sides, and even some familiar faces, I did not venture to go near as the crowd was so thick I worried I could not get moving should I go for the water. After some weaving around and squeezing through small openings in the human wall, I almost gave up. It was only the thought of not wanting to get stuck in a claustrophobic situation that kept me moving.

As my speed slowed, the threatening cramps stayed at bay. The final 1.5km was most challenging as the crowd got even thicker from the mergers of the 10km and even 5km runners. By doing a mixture of jumping up the pavements, and then skirting to the sides of railings, and shouting for walkers to move to the side, I eventually made it to Esplanade Bridge for that final 1km. Even then, the coast was not clear as I had to lose more time squeezing through to get to the full marathon finish pathway.

I was a little surprised that the Full Marathon path was in the middle section, where normally it is on the side closest to the VIP/Spectator stands. I took a look at the clock and it showed 3:49h+…so I made sure the front man was out of the way before posing for a ‘flight-landing’ finish. After I crossed the line, Michael tapped me from behind. He was so happy he broke the Sub-4hr mark (last year he did 4:04h), and by a good 10min at that. He mentioned he kept a distance of 20m behind me all the way from Marina Barrage….wow, he is one great pacee :)

After collecting the finisher tee and medal, I rushed to retrieve my baggage (worried of a jam again after the morning’s experience). Fortunately, there was a separate queue for the Full Marathoners by timings. Being in the sub-4hr, we were still early and there was almost no one in the queue at that time..haha. After collection, I went to the NB-Sunbird Hospitality tent to marry-up with all the Sunbirds, FatBirds and friends for our massages and refreshments.

The Sunbirds did well, and there were lots of juicy stories about the challenges in overcoming the humid conditions and crowd. Beverly did well to record a 2:25h for her comeback Half Marathon, without any aches nor pains at all - her mid-year injury have healed well. The next 1-2 hours were spent catching up, photo-taking and meeting the many pacers, trainees, runners and friends. In spite of the many complaints against the event, most of our Sunbirds and FatBirds

were fortunate to have overcome them, and we did have an eventful and fruitful Singapore Marathon 2011.

I had one of my easier marathons without the stress of pacing, and the 3:49h was also one of the better marathon times I have recorded for the Singapore Marathon. More importantly, my hydration, nutrition and race plans went well to allow me to complete the race feeling good, and that is the kind of marathon race experience I hope to have more of in future. With that, I am happy to declare a successful marathon training journey and race at the SCMS 2011.

NB Minimus Road Zero

After wear-testing the yet-to-be-available Minimus Trail Zero-Drop (MT00) from New Balance for about 2 months (Check my earlier review HERE), I was asked to give the Minimus Road Zero-Drop (MR00) a try to see how the new range of zero-drop light-weight shoes from New Balance will do when they go to market in March 2012.

With the number of new minimalist shoe offerings from New Balance, I have yet to get a chance at the 4mm heel-toe drop Minimus Road (MR10) that was only recently launched. So, here I am leap-frogging ahead slightly to take a jab at the MR00 instead. The NB MR00 certainly did not disappoint as I unravel the 6.4ounce package from the box. The upper was more plush than that of the MT00, and yet retain that breathable mesh-like material and honeycomb-patterned good looks.

I found the shoe tongue to be quite interesting, with one side fixed on, leaving the other side to be just pulled in for a snug tuck-in. There were just a few lace holes to go through and putting it on was such a cinch. The MR00 retains the ever popular Vibram outsole (see NB Minimus Zero Sole) that has been synonymous with all the minimalist offerings from New Balance, with the flooring being flatter than the trail version - primed for road running.

So how is the traction of this slick beauty? I had the opportunity to bring it for a short run on rather wet and slippery concrete ground (after a bout of afternoon rain), and was pleased with the road-holding capabilities of the MR00. The horizontal strap was diminished and even softer than the MT00, giving the front of the foot much better room for movement - I could wriggle my toes with ease and yet got the snug feel without the constrained-feeling.

The MR00 retains the good mid-foot cushioning and responsiveness of the MT00 and some of its very popular racing comps like the RC1300 series. However, the pleasant surprise was that there was even some heel cushion, not too much, just good enough to give that comfort when the legs go tired and would like some heel support. In spite of the zero drop configuration, I did not feel much strain nor work on the calves as I would on some of the other minimalist zero-drop options.

After putting it through its paces for 7km-10km runs, I am convinced that this will be another hot seller when it becomes available at the stores in March 2012. With the many attractive colorways it will come in, there is no doubt that many NB fans and runners will clean out the stores as what had happened to the MT10 and MR10 in the recent launches. NB will do well to get a better gauge on demand for the Zero series and bring in sufficient numbers to satisfy the growing market for vibrant, effective minimalist offerings such as the NB Zeros!

Compression Socks For The Distance Runner

Ever wondered if those 'funny-looking-long-socks-to-some' work for endurance and distance runners? If you have been noticing more marathoners and ultra-distance runners having them on during training and races, you would have seen the myriad of colours and brands that they come in.

CEP Compression Socks

Compression garments, and lately compression sleeves and socks have been largely worn to speed recovery after long and hard workouts as they aid in better bood circulation and veinous return, which go towards flushing out the lactate wastes accumulated during exercise. With the waste products causing muscle soreness and sometimes even cramps, it is no wonder these compression tights and socks play an important role in helping us recover from the soreness much faster, enabling us to get onto the roads and trails sooner rather than needing more time to rest and recover.

BV Booster Calf Sleeves

I have used compression tights such as 2XU in post-race and training recovery, and have used them in races to good effect, often delaying the onset of cramps (which used to inflict me before). Although the long compression tights are useful, they are restrictive when I need more localized compression like just for the calf region. That is when compression calf guards and socks come into play.

2XU Compression Socks

I have used a number of compression socks and guards in the past six months like CEP Compression, BV Booster calf sleeves, 2XU Compression Socks (new) and calf guards, all with positive effect to a greater degree. The CEP compression socks are very comfortable and more importantly, perform well - good that they come in some nice colours as well. The BV Boosters are high performance and good value for the slightly higher price they command. The 2XU compression socks are new to the market (coming on after their popular range of calf guards), and on initial testing show promise of a performing product at attractive price points for the marathoner seeking his/her first pair of compression socks/sleeves. They come in race and recovery models to cater to the different compression requirements.

Without having tried enough brands and haven't had sufficient exposure to them, I found a good review article about compression socks from Runners' World which gives 'a good guide to compression socks for any scenario'. If you are looking to have faster recovery from those hard and long runs, half, full and ultra marathon races, avoiding or delaying onset of calf cramps, you may wish to try out some of these effective compression socks and calf sleeves. You never know if they can help you recover faster and alleviate your cramping issues. As they say, the taste of the pudding is in the eating...try to know if they work for you.

Wheelathon360

Step into my wheels. Race in a wheelchair relay challenge on the Singapore Grand Prix race track and help us raise funds for a sports outreach programme for the physically disabled. Come support me and my fellow physically challenged athletes as we race against Singapore runners and cyclists for a good cause! - Fung, President of HAS Handcycling Association of Singapore

All running friends and community are invited to join us at this Wheelathon Roadshow to have try-outs of the handcycle and wheelchair.

Do visit the official website http://wheelathon360.com/ for more information about the actual event on 12th November 2011.

The Minimalistic Newton

The MV2 is Newton Running's answer to the minimalist wave that is currently gaining momentum in the running world. It did take quite a while for it be to ready in spite of a much earlier preview than some of the other minimalist brands. But well, it may be a case of 'Good Things Must Wait' for this shoe company which prides itself in promoting the science of motion and mid-foot running with the land-lever-lift methodology.

Having had good experiences with the Newton Distance Racer and Gravity Trainer, I was just waiting patiently for the MV2 baby. Although the first colour isn't that great (Newton promises more colorful MV2 options soon), I was still happy to bring this 6ounce zero heel-toe differential shoe with the less pronounced lugs (5 now instead of 4) for a test ride.

Since it is still pretty much a running shoe, although minimalist, I had no problems with getting acquainted. The MV2 does make it easier to walk with compared with the usual Newton shoes, likely due to the lowered heel balancing off the pronounced lugs. The upper is thin and translucent to the extent we can see the colour of the socks and feet inside ..haha. The good breath-ability and drainage properties that is synonymous with the Newton family is carried a notch further. The heel counter feels softer and wraps around well to give a very comfortable fit.

With the smaller fitting of the MV2, I did have to go up 1 size from my usual US9.5 fit, but once on, it felt snug and comfy. Although I have tried it twice for just 8km, I would imagine that the MV2 can bring me comfortably fast for at least a Half-Marathon, just like what my other racing shoes would do.

I have been asked if it can carry through for a Full Marathon - still too early to say till I have the opportunity to bring it for long runs. If this baby retains the durability and reliability that the Newtons are known for, I can see a potential winner in the MV2.

Minimalist Review: A VFF Interview With Beverly

Beverly has been injured since the Sundown Marathon in May 2011, mainly due to a muscle tear aggravated by the stress subjected during the final 8km walk back to the finish line. Many trips to the sports doctor, physiotherapist and podiatrist revealed that Beverly’s injury was due more to the stresses in the way she runs, exaggerated by the poor running form her not-too-straight spine had been subjecting her to.



Beverly has recently taken to trying out minimalist running footwear like the Vibram FiveFongers (VFF) and New Balance (NB) Minimus during her rehabilitation, in a bid to go easier on her legs, as well as take the opportunity to encourage a more mid-foot running stance.

Dream: Why did you lay off running?
Beverly: On doctor’s advice, as I suffered a terrible muscle injury. It was painful to even walk, not to mention run.

Dream: How long have you laid off from running after the injury?
Beverly: 2.5months

Dream: When did you start wearing VFF?
Beverly: early Sep 2011, using a pair of Komodo Sport


Dream: How did you begin with the VFF?
Beverly: There was a step-step guide that came with the shoes, and I followed the instruction manual closely. I did feet strengthening exercises daily for the first 2 weeks as prescribed. I also wore the VFF for short walks around the neighbourhood. After 2 weeks, I started running at the stadium track with VFF once a week for about 1.5km.

After another 2 weeks, I was running for about 2km on the road (but avoiding hard concrete surfaces when I can). It has been more than a month since I have started with the VFF, and found that I could bring my mileage in normal shoes up to 15km in a recent FatBird training run.

Dream: Your feeling about the shoes?
Beverly: They feel soft, snug, light, comfortable and offered me enough protection from the hard ground.

Dream: Did you find any change in running form?
Beverly: Yes, it sort of altered the way I run. Initially, I walked in it and after 10mins felt sore on my soles. I then realized that I have been walking very hard, especially whenever I wore heels.

Dream: Do you find yourself adapting to mid-foot striking?
Beverly: I cannot tell for sure, but I feel the angle of heel strike have reduced significantly for me

Dream: Do you find an increase in cadence (feet turnover)?
Beverly: Yes, I did increase my cadence according to the VFF booklet. With the increased cadence, I found that my feet pounded less and there was less pain. The breathing was initially a bit difficult to regulate (could be due to the harder workout from the increased turnover). After a while, the breathing became more regulated even with the increased cadence.

Dream: Will you wear the VFF for the year end marathon?
Beverly: No, I will take my time to adapt to the shoes and new running form gradually, and not rush out to run long distances with them. I have been advised to use them as training tools to help correct my rather poor running form to avoid injuries. After the recent injury, I have learnt to be more patient and careful with putting on new gear, especially shoes until I have tried and tested with them sufficiently.

Dream: What shoes are you using for marathon training?
Beverly: I wear mainly my New Balance cushion shoes for long distances and light cushion racers for running shorter distances. I intend to use the VFF and Minimus for 1-2 times a week on short distances of 3km-8km to build up my leg strength and to improve my running gait.

Dream: These shoes look funny with the 5 fingers - have you received any stares or comments?
Beverly: I have received many positive comments from colleagues and friends so far, who find the shoes very nice. They have told me they would like to get some for gymwork and their brisk-walks and jogs in the parks. Some have asked if they could wear it around for walkabouts, hiking, travelling etc.

Dream: How would you rate the shoes after just 1 month of use?
Beverly: I am happy with VFF in terms of looks, comfort, flexibility, especially when they are working for me. I would give it a high 4 out of 5 stars for now. I hope to be able to share more when I have used it for a couple more months.

Beverly has since gone on to race the NBRR 10km (using cushion shoes) with a respectable timing. Given a few more months to rehab, Beverly hopes to be able to be back to where she was or even better. We wish her all the best in her comeback to distance running.

Good Running Form

Some of the good running form techniques presented by representatives of the proponents of barefoot and minimalist running.

Good Form Running - New Balance



Bareform Running - Merrell



Land, Lever, Lift - Newton Running



Correcting Running Form - Pose Technique

The Featherweight Flock Meetup

Minimalist feet of The Featherweight Flock

It was the inaugural meetup for The Featherweight Flock (TFF), a group of minimalist running enthusiasts at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. It was a nice comfy gathering of minimalist runners who came in their FiveFingers, Minimus Trails, Merrells and Newtons. As we were planning on covering some heavy trails interspersed with real rocky terrain, we were not really expecting any 'completely barefoot' runners nor even the hurache crazies :D

About 13 of us showed up on time, all mostly in our barely broken-in, but real colorful and chio minimalist babes (incidentally, there was only a lady runner in the midst - we want more of them at the next minimalist weekender). A greeting among the runners were followed by quick chatter on the shoes and how they would perform in the trails. A few group photos of the minimalist shoes and people later, we headed up the Northern Route.

I had my green NB MT00 (Zero-Drop) on for this trails test run. I had has a few runs with the MT00 on road up to 12km with good responses and sensory feedback. The MT00 performed well on the more sandy Northern Route this morning. The other runners wearing the MT10 and VFF gave good feedback too. As we ventured on to Terantang Trail, it got more rocky, and a heightened sensation similar to walking on those 'pebbled massage paths' was felt. We slowed down a little and watched our feet and landing more cautiously. If anything, it made most of us land even more on our mid-foot with very little heel-dropping (because of the painful feedback).

As if that was not sufficient, the Rifle Range Link took the cake for the most rocky passage of them all - we had to resort to walking at certain stretches just to be sure no accidents occur to our runners. The VFF guys seemed to be enjoying their foot-massages, while the Minimus runners were getting a bit more support from their thickened Vibram soles. The Merrell and Newton runners too were enjoying the 'rocky' experience. We had lots of good chats at the edge of the Rifle Range Trail, saying 'hi' to many familiar runners who were on the trails training for their upcoming NorthFace 100 race in mid October.

The return trip was back via the rocky path, and it was not till the Lornie Trails where we could try to run on smoother gravel and sandy dirt tracks. The grip and holding of the MT00 worked like a charm over here, and I could pick up speed to run through that 2.4km stretch. I met up with a couple more from the Featherweight Flock and ran back towards the MR Amenities Centre for a good 13km workout.

Joe and an earlier group who did 10km were already back. Winston, Roy and other FatBirds who ran a longer route for NorthFace training also got back around the same time. It was great to meet BTing, JacQ, Irene and the JieMeis out training in their new trail shoes too. Alvin, Johnny and a few who wanted to join TFFs were slightly late and did their own runs.

There was a good round of sharing and exchanging of experiences of running in the trails with the various minimalist shoes. The interest in Minimus was quite high, especially with the new colours of the MT10 just arriving to the stores. Just like the MT00, the VFF were found to be not too suitable to be used in such rocky trails. Most of the minimalist shoes, including the MT00 experienced slightly slippery conditions and loss of good grip on the rocky slopes along the Rifle Range Trails. Overall, it was a good experience for the minimalist runners.

I personally find that the MT00 runs better on road, tarmac and flatter sandy trails rather than the rocky and slippery conditions in many stretches of the MacRitchie terrain. I would not venture in there with the VFF for now, but will probably try the MT10 in other parts of the MR trails at the next TFF Run. Thanks to all who came and share in this inaugural minimalist weekender, and I hope to be able to do more of such minimalist group weekenders in future.

Facebook photos from Steven Tan, Joe Goh